Buying a Tandem Double Stroller

Many parents who carry two children around town realize that a tandem double stroller is essential. They are strong enough to withstand the most difficult surfaces, and are comfortable for a toddler and an infant in the car seat.

Testers appreciate the fact that this stroller folds to a slim, sleek design using just one hand. It's got plenty of storage space for children and adults.

Adjustable Recline

If you're looking for a stroller which can grow with your family this is a great choice. It's a single stroller but can be outfitted with another seat, a jump seat or stand-on boards for older kids. It has an adjustable handlebar, so even tall parents will find it easy to push and steer (and its rear suspension and three air-filled tires make running easy as well). The separate canopy is large with a good-sized peekaboo window and the seats recline nearly flat, though they do require two hands to set back up.

It can also be accessed through most doors, although it might be too big for certain trunks based on the vehicle. This tandem double stroller has one point fold, unlike most, which require you lift the canopy or seat to fold. Instead, it uses the strap which is pulled and then lifted. It can be folded and put away standing up. It's buckles can be a bit difficult to fasten with the car seat attached.

The Graco DuoGlider makes a great choice for families who have a toddler and an infant. It comes with a large storage basket, adjustable recline in both seats (although the front seat only goes to about half-way down), and a good amount of padding on the harnesses. It's the most comfortable car seat for both children and adults alike, even those over 6 feet tall. Its length could be a problem in tight areas and when having to balance groceries and children.

A top choice among budget-friendly tandem strollers, the Baby Trend sit n stand double stroller N' Stand Double can be used as early as birth with the infant car seat adapter, or with a second toddler seat, that is available separately. Both seats come with a wide recline, a footrest that can be adjusted as well as a UPF 50+ canopy with large peekaboo windows. The front seat can be turned to face the rear, allowing older children to see each other better. It's only downside is that it can't fit two infant car seats at once and therefore won't work for twins or siblings of the same age.

UPF 50+ Canopy

If you don't want your kids to scream and whine the entire time, you need a stroller that has a canopy that is big enough to accommodate both seats. The most effective tandem strollers come with a UPF50+ canopy that is large enough to offer real shade. It also comes with a peekaboo window for each seat. To make it easy to push, you also need large wheels and a sturdy suspension. After spending more than 100 hours evaluating 17 tandem strollers at the zoo during stroller-enabled classes, while running errands, and trick-or-treating, we found that side-by-side models, such as the Chicco BravoFor2 and Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, performed better than models that are inline for maneuverability. They were easier to turn and could be inserted into standard doorways than most other models.

In addition to convenience, comfort features and user-friendliness, you'll also want to think about whether the tandem stroller will be suitable for your family's lifestyle. If you're frequent users of public transportation, or have to carry a lot of gear and luggage and other items, then you should consider a model that has a large storage bin and an adjustable bumper bar that can fold under the stroller.

You should also think about the length of time you'll use the stroller for. For the majority of families, a quality double stroller should last from newborn to toddlerhood and possibly even beyond. It's worth investing more upfront if you know you'll use the stroller for a few years at least.

Lastly, if you're an avid traveler, you may want to look for a model that can fold flat or on one foot. The best tandem double car seat stroller strollers can be folded down in just seconds, making them ideal for families who travel.

If you're thinking of adding a second child, the type of stroller you select will have a huge impact on your budget and lifestyle. If you're looking for a side by side or inline model, there are plenty of great options to meet your needs.

One-Point Fold

Expert stroller reviewers have one important requirement prior to purchasing a tandem double stroller: It must be easy to fold and unfold. This is particularly important since tandem strollers tend to be larger than single strollers, and may feel heavy when being pushed. They also take up more storage space in your car trunk than a single stroller.

The best tandem double strollers provide an easy-to-use one-point fold. Many tandem double strollers also have an automatic lock that stops the stroller from folding while it is open or in use. This is a safety feature, especially when you have children in the front seat.

If you plan to utilize a tandem stroller to transport children in car seats, it's best to choose a side-by-side model rather than one that is reversible. Reversible strollers let you place your infant in front while placing your older child behind. However, it may be difficult to reach the child in the rear while the stroller moves.

The width of the tandem stroller is also important. The majority of double strollers are larger than single strollers, and the width can affect whether or not it can fit through the doors of your home. Doors are typically between 30 and 36 inches wide, so make sure to measure them before you buy a tandem stroller.

If you're looking for a versatile stroller that can be used with two car seats for infants look into the Contours Options Elite V2. This double stroller comes with seven different stadium-style seating configurations which are perfect for twins, and it also accommodates most infant car seats. It comes with a variety of fantastic features such as reclined seating, adjustable footrests, and zippered extensions on both canopies. It's also affordable and has received rave reviews from parents. The only downside is that it does not recline in the back, which could be a problem for napping kids. However, it does have a large storage basket and a covered tray for parents with cup holders. This is still a good option for most families.

Easy Assembly

It doesn't matter if you were shocked to discover that you're expecting twins, or if you knew you would have another child in the same way as you planned. You need to consider how you will get your children from A to B. There are a variety of double strollers that are suitable for parents with multiple children. We tested tandem strollers that feature either front-facing or side-by-side seats to allow children to communicate with each other while cruising. They also have a baby car seats and standard stroller seats, and many have high-low seating that gives both children a complete view of their surroundings.

Most of our tandem double buggy stroller choices fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car, or in storage at home. However, some require you to remove the second seat to fold them (this is typical for side-by-side strollers) and this does reduce their overall storage capacity somewhat. This is something to consider when choosing the perfect model, as well as assessing the dimensions of any doors that you'll need to get the stroller through.

In addition to a one-handed fold, many of our top tandem choices also offer adjustable reclining for both seats, as well as an expansive canopy to protect your kids from the elements of sun and wind. They also offer parent cup holders and storage onboard for snacks and equipment, plus easy-to-reach brakes and a sturdy handlebar that is comfortable to hold when pushing. Many models are able to accommodate piggyback ride-along boards that allow older siblings to join in the fun making them a good option for families growing with preschoolers and children in school.

Look for used tandem strollers on the internet if you want to save money on your purchase. There are used double strollers at a fraction the price of new models on online marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist. Be sure to examine the stroller for rust and loose screws and any recalls. It's worth the effort to find a good bargain on a stroller for your family members that will last many years.